‘No more for me, thanks. I’m heading to bed. What’s happening tomorrow?’ she asked Grace. ‘Shall I just take Daisy somewhere easy with Lawrence?’

‘You don’t have to do that, thanks, Mum. If he comes over demanding to do something with Daisy, I’ll just have to trust that she’ll be okay with him for one day,’ Grace said. ‘We’re supposed to go to the school and pick up some info, though. Maybe you could do that, if you don’t mind? If Lawrence doesn’t appear, Daisy can go with you. It would give you the chance to see her school and maybe meet the teachers. It’s a great place. She starts next week,’ Grace added, for Steve’s benefit.

‘I’d love that. G’night, Steve.’ Tina gave Grace a kiss. ‘’Night, sweetie. This has been such fun.’ She winked at Steve. ‘Even with you-know-who skulking around.’

‘’Night, Mum.’ Grace laughed.

‘Your mum is good value,’ said Steve when Tina had walked up the hallway. ‘She’s so energetic. Do you think she’s lonely on her own?’

‘I sometimes wonder. She keeps busy and she’s involved in lots of things,’ Grace said. ‘She’s great company. I’d be lost without her. I really don’t know how she and my dad got together – they’re so different. He’s a bit serious, an academic.’

‘Your mum’s lightness and her sense of humour are probably what attracted him,’ said Steve. He held up the wine. ‘One more glass?’

‘Why not. Let’s go and sit in the garden. I’m finally relaxing. Having Lawrence around makes me so stressed. Sorry. I shouldn’t bother you with my personal issues.’ As they walked outside into the warm night Grace was tempted to ask Steve about his personal life. He didn’t seem to be seriously attached to anyone. But then, how would she know?

He poured the last of the wine into their glasses. ‘Listen, to get back to what we started to talk about earlier this evening . . . Revolt in Paradise. I’ve tracked down Tim Lindsey.’

‘The professor? No kidding. What have you discovered?’

‘He’s young, judging by his photo on the uni’s website. He’s a media commentator, a specialist on Indonesia. He knew K’tut when he was a graduate student.’

‘That’s amazing. I so want to read his book.’

‘Read K’tut’s book first. That’s what he advised.’

‘You spoke to him?’

‘Email.’ Steve grinned at her. ‘I told him what we’re doing, and where. And as it happens . . .’ He lifted his glass. ‘He’s coming here in two days’ time and he said he’d be happy to meet up. He has stories about K’tut that he’ll tell us.’